Taste of Eternity - 🖤Muzan✖Tanjirou🖤

⚜ Chapter Ten ⚜

Kagaya sat silently, the Hashira before him. They all bowed low, his smile no where to be seen. He glanced toward where the crow had landed, his brows furrowing. The group knew something was happening, though they'd never expected those specific words to leave their master's mouth. Those words were like venom, the betrayal and heartbreak hitting most. Giyuu was affected the most, knowing he'd made an oath. A vow. But what did that statement mean when it was built on something false?

"Thank you all for being present. I bare bad news, but keep the volume mute for me until finished. I have here Tanjirou's crow, coming with a message. I had some worries letting him travel with only his sister, but my worries were replaced with sorrow. The crow had seen Tanjirou headed toward his village and due to orders, pulled back enough to be unseen. The Kamado siblings stopped outside the village before being met by a figure... One we all should know well with given information. The siblings, though I don't know the full story, were taken by Muzan. He met them beyond the village and grabbed hold of Tanjirou." Most of the pillars froze up, fear crossing their gazes. But Kagaya's downcast frown only tilled their emotions. "I do not know the full truth, but the interaction was nothing aggressive. It was as if they willingly followed." 

"I knew that Demon girl and her brother were trouble!" Sanemi's voice rose up, being silenced by Kagaya himself. He remained silent for a moment before allowing more words.

"I do not know the motive, but this is to be brought up in trial to Tanjirou. I have deemed him suspect to being a traitor." Giyuu felt his heart sink, his eyelids closing as he felt his emotionless face fade away. Tears fell without his notice, a few Hashira taking note. No one said a word though. "Because he was not a suspect before, I have decided to clear you Giyuu. You will pay no price, should he truly betray us. His sister is to be killed with him if they are found guilty."

"I understand." His voice was broken, his fists clenched. he wasn't sure if it was due to the betrayal or his aching heart. Yet again, he may lose someone he chose to open up to. 

"I request Kyoujurou and Gyomei to retrieve him. Should he come without question, there is no need to get forceful. Am I understood?"

"We understand, Kagaya-sama." He lowered his head, dismissing the meeting. Most left, all besides Giyuu. Kagaya motioned him closer. "I can tell you're hurt. This news aches my dying heart as well..."

"He hated Muzan, so why?"

"Only he can tell us, Giyuu. Take a rest. The trial will be in a couple days and I need the pillars at their best, should issues arise." Giyuu merely nodded, his voice refusing to work. Giving a weak bow, he sauntered out, not once letting his gaze rise from the dirt he walked on. How could he. The thought of Tanjirou betraying them felt off. He hated Muzan more than anyone, so what had changed? Why would he willingly follow? It all made no sense to Giyuu and only forced him further into isolation. 

Tanjirou was someone he considered an ally. A close friend. Like his family. He had opened up again. Again he would lose his family. It was like history repeated, always throwing him into the darkness of his heart. He felt alone, like that was his fate. He felt broken. Tanjirou was a gentle soul, but had lied. Nezuko was a kind Demon, someone they spared. Someone he spared. So why? Why had he been forsaken by everyone he ever trusted? He bore a wound that felt impossible to seal. He was hurting more than anyone, holding onto a bond he thought was real. Even if there was no real proof and the chance Tanjirou was clean, it still felt wrong. Like a part of him knew. A part of him that denied the truth. He just felt... Lost. Completely lost and alone once more. That was just his fate.

Tanjirou had been seated on the bed, relaxing as Muzan rummaged through some belongings. He kept glancing at the Demon Slayer, which didn't go unnoticed. After finally having enough, Tanjirou closed the book he was read, his eyes holding light worry. Muzan never seemed so concerned, but he looked troubled. Placing the book along the mattress, Tanjirou climbed to his feet before moving closer. His arms wrapped around Muzan's shoulders, leaning into the back of the chair the other sat in.

"What's wrong?" 

"I just feel something's off... Is that bad?" Tanjirou shrugged, letting go before moving to in front. Resting on one of Muzan's legs, he tilted his head.

"It's not wrong to worry, but you've got me to talk to. Open up."

"Would you ever become a Demon?" The question caught the other off guard, but it wasn't unforeseen. 

"Right now, no. I don't know, down the road that is. Forever seems too long, you know?" He nodded before speaking up.

"It wouldn't be too long if it was with you." Tanjirou chuckled, hugging Muzan.

"I really do love you. Let me think on it, okay?" Muzan nodded once more, his hands fishing something from a drawer. Holding it out, Tanjirou inspected the glass tub dyed red, hanging from a chain. It was quite special, that much he knew. Giving a weak smile, he pocketed the item before kissing the other's cheek.

"Please, keep that with you in case anything happens..." Tanjirou hummed, getting off the other. He moved back to the bed, watching Muzan leave the room. Once gone, he fished the necklace from his pocket. Removing the chain, he examined the tube. His smile fell as his breath caught. He knew what it all meant. All the worry. The gift. He just hoped his worries were wrong.

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Hope you've enjoyed this chapter. It was a bit shorter, but next chapter will be normal length. Leave me your thought! (✿◠‿◠)